40 yr old with GED. Is a MSN even possible?

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I'll try to make it short. I'll be 40 this December. I got my GED when I was 18 and I've been a hairstylist/salon owner since I was 20. Looking for a career change and nursing has always been the field I wanted to pursue.

But boy to I have some Debbie downers around. From family to even my perspective counselor. Family days I'm too old and the counselor said basically that because of the time frame since I got my GED until now that it would be extremely hard & time consuming for me. She wasn't the nicest person while communicating this to me as well. I left out in tears.

So I was hoping there were some nurses/students here with similar situations like mine that can motivate me and hopefully can share any advice. I appreciate you guys.

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

I won't lie, nursing school is hard. But it's that way regardless of how old you are OR what your previous education consists of. I say, if this is your dream, follow it!

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I won't lie, nursing school is hard. But it's that way regardless of how old you are OR what your previous education consists of. I say, if this is your dream, follow it!
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Ty for posting

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I encourage you to take a couple of steps forward and see how it goes before making a final decision. If the first steps go OK, then take a few more steps. etc.

However ... don't be surprised if/when it turns out to be a lot harder than you think. You will probably have some set-backs along the way and it may take longer than you think. But only you can say whether or not the sacrifices you will have to make will be worth it to you. But it is possible.

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Well, what is the end goal? Why MSN to start?

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Don't listen to them. I was a high school dropout and I went back when I was 38. MSN is getting a little ahead of yourself. A Masters might be too much. I would try working as a CNA, plus check out programs in your area for a BSN. Do a couple of prerequisites and see how it goes. You could even go the LPN-BSN route.Good luck to you.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

With a GED you can go to a community college for ADN then bridge to a BSN then online MSN!!! The BSN and MSN can all be done online!!!

If this is what you want, check your area and see if the CC offer ADN. If they do, start working on it!!!

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I would start with an AS in math/science. Basically, get an AA but also get your anatomy/physio/microbiology and statistics out of the way at the same time. If you can do that, then look into nursing, either an AA from any local CC or check out transferring into a BSN program. Look at the requirements for your local ASN program and work those prereqs into your 2-3 year associates degree.

First things first, get your prereqs out of the way. Then you can decide if you still want to pursue nursing.

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Well, what is the end goal? Why MSN to start?

MSN is the end goal. Sorry if I wasn't clear before.

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Specializes in Nurse Scientist-Research.

Why don't you just test drive some basic courses that will get required no matter what. Something on the not super challenging end like developmental psych and something a little harder like anatomy and physiology? If those go well, ramp it up, pick a program and get going.

I started my RN to BSN at 40 and PhD at 43. It has not been easy. But, one of my favorite sayings is: "When's the best time to plant an oak tree? 20 years ago. When's the second best time? Right now!"

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Specializes in Med Surg/ICU/Psych/Emergency/CEN/retired.

It would be hard no matter when you do it. As an youngish older adult, you have life experiences that will serve you well. I got my BSN at 21 and my MS at 50, when I was a far better student. I don't see starting at 40 as not possible at all. I highly recommend getting a BSN whether or not you decide to go on after that. A friend, who had her master's, inspired me when I said I'd be 50 when I got the MS. She said, "You're going to be 50 either way. Why not be 50 with a master's?" One step at a time.

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Totally possible, but be prepared for hard work, which I'm sure you know.

One step at a time. Set little goals.

Best of luck to you!

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